MODULE 2: COMPUTER BASICS AND COMPUTING PERIODS of the definition of a computer because they are not "general purpose"
y are not "general purpose" computing devices, that
This module provides an overview about the elements of a computer system and its
classifications. It tackles also the classification capabilities and limitation of Computer. It also
discusses the history of computing.
Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students must be able to:
• Define Computer and its classifications.
• Contrasts elements of the computer system and its functions.
• Computer basic operations
• Differentiate data sizes and speed
Lesson 2.1: Computer Fundamentals
What is Computer?
A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to
store, retrieve, and process data. This programmable machine manipulates data according to a
list of instructions (program). It can be any device which aids humans in performing various kinds
of computations or calculations.
A computer can also be defined as an electronic machine that accepts input (data),
processes it and gives out results (information). A program or app (short for application program)
in memory manages the processing. It can make use of data or information stored in memory
and remember the results of the processing for later use, again in memory.
A computer is also a (fairly complicated) tool intended to assist the user in accomplishing
information based tasks ranging from locating and acquiring data/information to processing it to
presenting or transmitting it.
In addition, it is an entertainment center allowing the user to browse the web, read a
book, play a video game, watch a movie, etc. These devices (and the following) are often left out
is, a Kindle (tm) is used to read books, but not to create a classroom presentation. They are
included here because the lines separating such devices are becoming blurry.
In certain specialized instances, such as embedded real-time computers (as found in
your car or microwave), it is part of a more complex tool or device. In a sense, a computer is
ultimately a simple, generic device that can be used to accomplish a wide variety of tasks. This
leads to the first two generic definitions provided above.
Three principal characteristics of computer:
• It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner.
• It can execute a pre-recorded list of instructions.
• It can quickly store and retrieve large amounts of data.
Functions of a computer:
Input- is the raw information entered into a computer from the input devices.
Process- is the operation of data as per given instruction.
Output- is the processed data given by the computer.
Storage- saving the results in storage devices.
Computer Parts and Definition
Monitor - A monitor is the screen on which words, numbers, and graphics can be
seeming. The monitor is the most common output device.
Printer - A printer prints whatever is on the monitor onto
paper. Printers can print words, numbers, or pictures.
Headphones - Headphones give sound output from the computer. They
are similar to speakers, except they are worn on the ears so only one
person can hear the output at a time.
Speaker - A speaker gives you sound output from your computer. Some speakers are
built into the computer and some are separate.
Disk Drives - A disk drive is used to record information from the computer onto a
floppy disk or CD.
 Floppy Disk - A floppy disk is used to record information on. The information is
stored on the floppy disk and can be used later or used on another computer.
Compact Disk - Some compact disks can be used to put information on. This is called burning
information to a CD.
Hard Disk Drive. This is a non-volitile storage medium, all modern PCs will have
one if not more than one. A magnetic disk that stores data. Usually a fixed disk,
permanently sealed in the drive, though possibly a removable hard disk. A hard
disk can store a huge amount of data up to 400GB on one disk.
The keyboard is a primary input device. It has letter and number keys,
and what are called function keys, computer specific task keys, that
allow you, the user, to use an Englishlike language to issue instructions to an electronic
environment. It uses a cursor to keep your place on the screen and to let you know where to begin
typing.
Mouse - The mouse is a hand held device that lets you point to and selected
items on your screen. In a PC mouse there are mostly 2-3 buttons and on a Mac
there is one. A ball under the mouse senses movement. To ensure smooth
motion your should remove the ball and clean it regularly.
The central processing unit (CPU) is the actual brain of a computer. It is responsible
for processing instructions and carrying out users' commands. Other parts of the
computer serve the microprocessor, enabling it to do its job.
Read-only memory (ROM) contains the commands your computer needs to
activate itself. Instructions in ROM let the computer start when the power is
turned on, and, unlike RAM, its contents are retained even when the power is
turned off.
RAM (random-access memory) provides the "working space" for open
applications. The CPU uses RAM to access instructions and data more quickly
than could be done from a storage device. To a large extent the amount of RAM
you have determines how many and what type....
The motherboard (also called a system board or circuit board) is the most
important part of the system. Acting as the foundation of a computer, the
motherboard supplies all of the electrical connections among various components of the computer,
including the CPU, ROM, and RAM. interface between the network medium (cable, radio waves etc.)
and your PC.
An expansion card is a circuit board that slides into an slot on the motherboard. These cards add
functions such as sound, video, or communications to your computer.
A video adapter (alternate terms include graphics card, display adapter,
video card, video board and almost any combination of the words in these
terms) is an integrated circuit card in a computer or, in some cases, a
monitor that provides digital-to- analog conversion, video RAM, and a
video controller so that data can be sent to a computer's display.
A sound card is an expansion card that enables a computer to produce sound.
Examples of uses for sound capabilities include games, music applications, and
interactive educational software.
A network card allows you to connect your PC to a network A network card
is also called network adapter, network interface controller (NIC), network
interface card, or LAN adapter it is a computer hardware component
designed to allow computers to communicate over a computer network.
COMPUTER SYSTEM
COMPUTER SYSTEM = HARDWARE + SOFTWARE + USER
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER ACCORDING TO:
Purpose
1. General Purpose – Computers are designed for a variety/range of tasks. They
have the ability to store numerous programs, but lack in speed and efficiency.
2. Special Purpose – Computers are designed to handle a specific problem/task
only. A set of instructions is built into the machine.
Types of Processing
1. Analog - Machines that represent variables or quantities using physical
analogies. An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is a form of
computer that uses continuous physical phenomena such as electrical,
mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved.
 2. Digital – Machines that specialize in counting. A computer that performs
calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits, usually
in the binary number system.
3. Hybrid– Machine that incorporate measuring capabilities of the analog devices
and the counting capability of the digital devices. A combination of computers
(Analog + digital) those are capable of inputting and outputting in both digital
and analog signals. A hybrid computer system setup offers a cost effective
method of performing complex simulations.
Capacity
1. Micro-computer (Personal Computer) - used in homes, offices, individual and
corporate uses.
Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit
on a desk.
Laptop Computer: a portable computer complete with an integrated
screen and keyboard. It is generally smaller in size than a desktop
ELEMENTS OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM
computer and larger than a notebook computer.
Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook /PDAs: a hand-sized
computer. Palmtops have no keyboard but the screen serves both as
an input and output device
2. Mini-computer (Midrange Computer) – for companies needing storage and
processing requirements. A midsized computer. In size and power,
minicomputers lie between workstations and mainframes. In the past decade,
the distinction between large minicomputers and small mainframes has
blurred, however, as has the distinction between small minicomputers and
workstations.
But in general, a minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of
supporting from 4 to about 200 users simultaneously.
3. Mainframe Computer (Large Scale Computer) – for medium to large business.
Used by government and business companies. A very large and expensive
computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users
simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple microprocessor (in
watches, for example) at the bottom and moves to supercomputers at the top,
mainframes are just below supercomputers. In some ways, mainframes are
more powerful than supercomputers because they support more simultaneous
programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a
mainframe.
4. Super Computer – use to compute intensive tasks. The fastest and most
powerful type of computer Supercomputers are very expensive and are
employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of
mathematical calculations. For example, weather forecasting requires a
supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers include animated graphics, fluid
dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, and petroleum exploration. The
chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a
supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast as
possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs
concurrently.
5. Workstations – A terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context,
workstation is just a generic term for a user's machine (client machine) in
contrast to a "server" or "mainframe."
1. Hardware - The physical components of a computer constitute its Hardware. These
include keyboard, mouse, monitor and processor. Hardware consists of input devices
and output devices that make a complete computer system.
a. Input devices are the devices used to enter data.
1. keyboard
2. optical scanner
3. mouse
4. joystick
b. Output devices used to display the information.
1. Monitor
2. Printer
3. Speaker
2. Software - A set of programs that form an interface between the hardware and the user
of a computer system are referred to as Software.
a. Types of Software:
1. System software is a set of programs to control the internal operations such as
reading data from input devices, giving results to output devices and ensuring
proper functioning of components is called system software.
 2. Application software are programs designed by the user to perform a specific
function, such as accounting software, payroll software etc.
3. Operating system is a set of tools and programs to manage the overall working
of a computer using a defined set of hardware components is called an
operating system. It is the interface between the user and the computer
system.
4. Utility software is special purpose programs that are designed to perform a
specialized task, such as functions to copy, cut or paste files in a computer,
formatting a disk etc.
5. Language processors is a special software to accept data and interpret it in the
form of Machine/Assembly language understandable by a computer. It also
ensures the correctness of language syntax and errors.
6. Connectivity software. A set of programs and instructions to connect the
computer with the main server to enable sharing of resources and information
with the server and other connected computers.
3. Peopleware - The most important element of a computer system is its users. They are
also called liveware of the computer system.
a. people interact with a computer system:
1. System Analysts are people who design the operation and processing of the
system.
2. System Programmers are people who write codes and programs to implement
the working of the system.
3. User are persons who operate the system and use it for different purposes. Also
called the end users.
Basic Operations
Input
- Whatever goes into the computer.
- Input can take a variety of forms, from commands you enter by keyboard to data from
another computer (via a network connection).
- A device that feed a data into a computer, such as a keyboard or mouse, is called an
input device.
Output
- Any information (data) that comes out of a computer.
- Output devices can be computers, display screens, speakers, and printers.
Storage
- Computer data storage.
- Can save digital data.
- Examples: RAM, hard disks, CDs, DVDs, and removable flash memory sticks.
- Permanent or Non-Volatile, storage devices do not require power to remember the
data stored.
- Mass storage devices, like your hard disk, are nonvolatile; a loss of power does most
affect their ability to retain data. This category also includes ROM (Read-Only Memory)
- Temporary or Volatile Storage is more often called “memory”. A loss of power means
that any data stored will be lost irretrievably. When you are using an application, such as
a word processor, the data (the document you are working on) is stored in RAM
(Random Access Memory). If you lose power without explicitly saving your work, you will
likely lose data.
Processing
- Processor is the brain of a computer.
- Also called the CPU (Central processing unit) and it is a microchip.
- For a non-programmer, this is where all the real action is. Programs just set the stage
and direct the play. (In this off hand analogy, the play itself, in written form, would be
most like a program.)
- The processor actually performs very simple operations like basic arithmetic and
comparing two values (but that may be like saying a stage actor just speaks, moves and
emotes).
- Despite it's apparent simplicity, the CPU does in fact run the show, controlling all of the
peripherals while executing the current software commands.
- CPU itself receives input (perhaps "fetching" the next command to execute) and
generates output (perhaps the result of adding two numbers). The CPU also has its own,
very temporary, storage (the numbers to be added need to be stored somewhere, as
does the result while it is being sent out of the CPU).
- The CPU may also contain "level 1 cache" memory. This is like a very fast (and
expensive) version of RAM that allows the CPU to have things it may need soon close at
hand.
The operation of a computer can be summarized as follows:
1. The computer accepts information in the form of programs and data through an
input unit and stores it in memory.
2. Information stored in the memory is fetched, under program control, into an
arithmetic and logic unit, where it is processed.
3. Processing of information is directed by the control unit in the microprocessor.
4. Resulting information leaves the computer through an output unit.
DATA SIZES AND SPEEDS
Names for different sizes of data
When choosing a new computer we come across terms such as "1 TB hard drive" and "4 GB
RAM", and to the uninitiated, this can be somewhat disconcerting. Data in a computer is
represented in a series of bits (binary digits) or ones and zeroes. Since the birth of computers,
bits have been the language that control the processes that take place inside that mysterious
black box called your computer.
• Byte
A byte is a basic unit of measurement of information storage or transmission
that consists of 8 bits. It can be used to represent letters and numbers – up to 256 of
each. For example, a Byte containing the 8 bits 01000101 represents:
o the letter E in the ASCII character
set, or o the number 69, since 26 +
22 + 20 = 69.
There are many things the same pattern of bits could represent – as long as we
all agree on the representation or rules for understanding it – like part of one pixel in an
image. There are usually three parts to a pixel, one byte for red, another for green and
the third for blue. All together that is 24 bits, so we can represent a total of 224 or 16
million (approximately) colors.
Twitter allows messages of up to 140 characters (Bytes), while SMS (Short
Message Service) or cell phone texting allows up to 160 Bytes. Most text only emails can
be measured in Bytes, i.e., the emails are relatively small.

• Bit (Binary Digit).

A bit is simply a 1 or a 0. A true or a false. It is the most basic unit of data in a
computer. It's like the dots and dashes in Morse code for a computer. It's also called
machine language.
Any data of any kind that is stored in the computer or transmitted by the
computer is ultimately made up of bits. A program (software) written in a high-level
(human readable) language like Java or C++ is converted to machine language (bits)
before the computer can run it.
A bit can represent anything we want, perhaps yes and no, but it has only two
possible values. So, to represent more things, we have always grouped bits into larger
chunks. The number of bits determines some maximum number of unique combinations
of bits. A group of 8 bits has 256 (28) possible unique combinations. Each of those
combinations can have its own meaning that we agree upon.
In the Morse code analogy, suppose we decided that every letter was a
combination of five dots and dashes. That would provide use with 32 (25) unique code
values. That is enough to represent the 26 letters of the alphabet and 6 more, perhaps
punctuation. The Chinese might use the same 32 codes to represent something besides
our alphabet, which is okay, as long as we know what language we are supposed to be
reading. [By the way, Morse Code doesn't actually work that way.
 A terabyte is 10244 and is defined as about one trillion bytes, or 1024
• Word gigabytes. Data centers such as those operated by Google handle thousands if not
The size of a computer "word" is variable. It is based upon how many bits the millions of terabytes of data each day. As storage becomes cheaper and faster, terabytes
CPU can read at one time, and that has changed over time. We are currently (c. 2011) in are becoming a commonly heard term.
a transition from 32-bit systems to 64-bit systems. Our only concern with this is that a Disk drives in in the TB range are now common.
32bit system can directly support (address) at most 4 GigaBytes of RAM (232). To use
more RAM we need to "trick" the computer or get a 64-bit system. Oddly, most current • PB or PetaByte
computers are also right around 4 GB of RAM, so this knowledge is of immediate value A petabyte is a unit of information or computer storage equal to one
in purchasing a new system. You want a 64-bit system! quadrillion bytes (10245).
Google processes (c. 2008) about 24PB of data per
• KB or KiloByte
One KB is 1000 Bytes, at least if you don't wear the title "geek" as a badge of
honor and especially if your in marketing. When measuring disk space, one KB is 1024
bytes (210). Obviously, if you were selling a disk drive that could hold exactly 1000 bytes,
it would be to your advantage to market it is a 1KB drive. A typical word processor
document, without a lot of images, is likely to measure in the KB range.

• MB or MegaByte
A megabyte is approximately 1000KB. Technically, it is 1024KB (1024 x
1024). Again, the technical value is of interest primarily to geeks.
Most digital cameras create images that are in the MB range. An 8 MP
(megapixel) camera has 8 million sensors, each representing a pixel or picture element.
Each pixel, in turn uses some numbers of bits to represent the various colors. A "true
color" camera has 24 bits (3B) per pixel. Assuming no compression, each image would be
24MB! (In practice, we usually do compress the images and find them to be between
two and eight MB.)
• GB or GigaByte
A gigabyte is a unit of data storage worth approximately a billion bytes,
meaning either 1000MB or the more technical 1024MB (1024 x 1024 x 1024). More
often than not in advertising, Gigabytes are presented as 1 billion bytes and not
1,073,741,824 (It's only off by 7%.). This helps to explain why a freshly formatted 500GB
hard drive shows up at a 450GB drive instead. Not too long ago many people were
discussing RAM and even disk storage in Megabytes. These days, storage has become so
cheap that having 4-16 gigabytes of RAM is considered the norm.
A DVD holds gigabytes of data, enough for a single digital movie. So, keep in
mind that storing movies on your hard drive will take large chunks of space.
• TB or TeraByte
Measurements of Data Speed
Today there are generally two ways of describing data transfer speeds: in bits per second,
or in bytes per second. As explained above, a byte is made of 8 bits. Network engineers still
describe network speeds in bits per second, while your Internet browser would usually measure a
file download rate in bytes per second. A lower case "b" usually means a bit, while an upper case
"B" represents a byte. Hence, the answer to which is better 8 Mbps or 2 MBps? Is 2 MBps (which
is 16 Mbps). Using a less common, but more clear notation: which is better 8 Mbit/s or 2 MBps?
Answer: 2 MBps, since that is 16 Mbit/s. (Marketing people use this confusion to their advantage,
if you're not sure which is intended, ask.)
• Bps (Bits per second). Known as bits per second, bps was the main way of describing data
transfer speeds several decades ago. Bps was also known as the baud rate, therefore, a 600
baud modem was one which could transfer data at around 600bps
• Kbps (Kilobits per second). Kilobits per second, or 1000 bits per second. (Network folks
didn't get caught up in the 1000 vs 1024 problem.) Modern telephone modems operate at
56Kbps.
 • Mbps (Megabits per second). 1,000,000 (million) bits per second. Often used in describing Data- means the letters, numbers, pictures or any instructions
Internet download/upload speeds, as shown above. Input Devices- used to give data into the computer
Ex: keyboard, mouse, joystick, light pen, scanner
• Gbps (Gigabits per second) 1,000,000,000 (billion) bits per second. This term is most
commonly heard in local area networks, where the close proximity of machines allows for
2. Process- done by the CPU. It means doing some work on the data that we have entered.
fast data transfer rates.
CPU- does all the thinking and calculations with the data given. It is called the
brain of the computer.
COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS
3. Output- the final result. When the CPU finished processing the input data, the output is
Computer- is an electronic machine which helps to solve problems easily. It is made up of hardware then displayed on the monitor.
and software. Hardware and software need each other to perform Output Devices- used to get information from the computer.
Ex. Monitor, printer, projector, headphones, speaker
Computer Hardware- any part of computer that is tangible. It is instructed or directed by the Monitor and Printer- the most common output device.
software to do any work. It can understand only “low level language” or “machine language”.
Ex. Monitor, CPU, keyboard, motherboard, printer, scanner, speaker Computer Language
4. Machine Language- only language a computer is capable of understanding.
Computer Software- set of instructions can be stored and run by hardware that makes the -also called “low level language”
computer to work. It is responsible of directing the work to the hardware. It is designed and develop -collection of 0 and 1.
by experience programmers in “high level language”. Software is easy to change 0 and 1- called binary digits orbits.
Ex. Power point, android, Microsoft word, windows, java, google, chrome
Uses of Computer
Parts of the Computer Study, play music, watch movies, play games, draw, chat, send e-mails, surf the internet
1. Monitor
2. CPU Computer in our Daily Life
3. Keyboard Computers are used in schools, hospitals, offices, home, banks and airports
4. Mouse
5. Speaker Advantaged of computer
1. Accurate
Types of Computer 2. Not tired
1. Desktop computer 3. Multitasking
2. Laptop computer 4. Never forgets
3. Tablet 5. Fast
4. Palmtop computer
5. Smartphone Disadvantages of computer
1. No feelings
Charles Babbage- father of computer 2. Can’t decide
3. Works on user’s order
Computer works in 3 basic steps:

1. Input- the data and information that we enter into the computer. We input data using
keyboard or a mouse
• Activity 2.1

1. Which Type of Computer do you think helped a lot in the IT world?

Almost all types of computers are widely used in the IT world however, I think the type of
computer that helped a lot in the IT world is the smartphone. The smartphone is preferred
by people since it is very handy and can be accessed easily not like the other types of
computers. They can easily send/receive messages and e-mails, watch movies, and surf the
internet anytime and anywhere. The latest versions of smartphones have already software
that can be located in computers, laptops, and tablets. Since the smartphone is the most
purchased computer, it can easily disseminate technological information, highlights the
importance of IT in daily life, and open the door of the IT world to people. The smartphone
can increase the rate of application of information technology. In addition, companies
utilizing IT perceive the purchase of smartphones by people as an advantage since they can
easily conduct surveys, researches about customer preferences, promote and advertise
their products and reach out to customers.

2. How do software and hardware components of computers collaborate to accomplish a

task?

The computer is composed of software and hardware to function. Software and hardware
are linked to each other; software cannot perform without hardware the hardware cannot
function without the software. Hardware is instructed by the software to do work while the
software is run by the hardware. Hardware and software create teamwork to make the 3
basic steps of computer work accomplished. Hardware is where the input came from, helps
process the input, and where the output is displayed. The software collects and processes
the input to make it an output and be displayed. For example, when we edit a video
project, the input came from a cellphone or a camera where the video is taken. The camera
and cellphone are hardware. Then we need a video editor app to edit the video. The video
editor app is the software that will process our input however, we still need the help of
hardware in editing the video (such as laptop and mouse). Once it is done, the edited video
can be watched through hardware (such as laptop and cellphone) with the help of software
(like windows media player). To sum it up, software and hardware consider each other as
an important piece in running a computer.